Spinal Cord Transection and Transplantation
Objective: To evaluate axonal regeneration and functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection in rats using delayed fetal spinal cord transplants and neurotrophic factors
This is a Spinal Cord Transection and Transplantation protocol using rat as the model organism. The procedure involves 5 procedural steps, 1 equipment items, 3 materials. Extracted from a 2001 paper published in Journal of Neuroscience.
Model and subjects
rat • Not specified • unknown • adult • Not specified
Study window
~4 week study window
Core workflow
Spinal cord transection • Acute transplant placement • Delayed transplant placement
Primary readouts
- Axonal regeneration into transplant
- Regeneration from supraspinal pathways
- Axonal growth back into spinal cord below lesion
- Motor function recovery
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Spinal cord transection
Complete midthoracic spinal cord transection performed in adult rats
Note: Transection performed at midthoracic level
View evidence from paper
“Complete midthoracic spinal cord transection in rats with subsequent delayed fetal spinal cord transplant placement”
Acute transplant placement
Fetal spinal cord transplants placed into lesion cavity immediately after transection in acute injury group
Note: One experimental group receiving immediate transplantation
View evidence from paper
“Transplants were placed into the lesion cavity either immediately after transection (acute injury)”
Delayed transplant placement
Fetal spinal cord transplants placed into lesion cavity after 2-4 week delay following transection
Note: Delayed or chronic transplant group showing improved outcomes
View evidence from paper
“or after a 2–4 week delay (delayed or chronic transplants)”
Neurotrophic factor administration
Exogenous neurotrophic factors administered via implanted minipump in treatment groups
Note: Administration timing coordinated with transplant placement (acute or delayed)
View evidence from paper
“either vehicle or neurotrophic factors were administered exogenously via an implanted minipump”
Behavioral assessment
Evaluation of motor function recovery including plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping
Note: Functional recovery assessed in all treatment groups
View evidence from paper
“animals exhibiting plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping”